Rookie defensive end Luis Castillo learned that actually getting a sack is the first order.

"I had (a celebration) planned out for the first five weeks of the season," he said. "Then I'm like, 'Y'know what? I've got to stop planning a sack dance and actually get a sack.' "

Castillo has been around opposing quarterbacks as much as, if not more than, any Chargers defender this season. But considering the more than two dozen times he has pressured the quarterback, he knows he should have more than 1½ sacks, a sum that came in one game three weeks ago against Kansas City.

"One of these days I'm going to have to learn how to finish," Castillo said.

When he does, he promises his celebration will be a little more flamboyant than the briefly spastic dance after he got to Chiefs QB Trent Green. Castillo has worked up a little choreography with help from rookie linebacker Shawne Merriman.

"We've got something special for the fans," Castillo said. "Hopefully I'll be able to pick up another one soon."

Making a play
The fact that he was in for just two plays against the New York Jets pretty much confirms that Jerry Wilson has fallen almost off the edge of the depth chart.

The Chargers were without their starting strong safety and a starting cornerback and had another cornerback go down during the game. Yet Wilson, a starter at free safety the past two seasons, saw his first action on defense on a two-point conversion midway through the final quarter.

"I just do what I can do," Wilson said this week. "Put me in any situation."

What Wilson did was perhaps save the Chargers' season, batting down Brooks Bollinger's pass on the conversion attempt. Had the Jets scored the two points, they would have trailed by just three and been able to kick a field goal instead of going for a touchdown on their final drive (which stalled at the 3).

Asked if his contribution changed the way he viewed this season, Wilson indicated his frustration still simmers.

"One spot play here and there is not going to change my outlook," he said. "I deserve to be in there in some capacity."

In his own mind
The week after LaDainian Tomlinson hit a trifecta of sorts against Oakland – accounting for a touchdown via a run, pass and catch – Buffalo's Willis McGahee told Bay Area reporters: "I'm the best back. Case closed."

McGahee didn't back down this week when asked by the Buffalo News who was better, he or Tomlinson.

"I'm going to say me, of course," he said. "I'm not going to go with nobody else."

Asked if he had any thoughts about McGahee's comments, Tomlinson said simply, "Nope."

McGahee, who has 21 more yards than Tomlinson on 13 more carries, did praise Tomlinson as a "good back" and a "game-breaker."

Injury update
It appears left tackle Roman Oben (foot) will miss a second game, as he did not practice yesterday. Linebacker Steve Foley (strained abdominal muscle) continued to work just a portion of practice, and his status for Sunday remains questionable. Merriman missed practice with a migraine but said afterward he was fine. Also missing practice: receiver Vincent Jackson (hamstring), backup linebacker Ben Leber (foot) and backup fullback Andrew Pinnock (calf/shoulder).

Meantime, Buffalo quarterback Kelly Holcomb missed his second straight practice since suffering a concussion last weekend and is listed as questionable.

Dinner guest
Lance Alworth, whose number will be retired at halftime Sunday, will be the honored guest at a dinner tonight to benefit the Huntington's Disease Society of America. The event is at the Omni Hotel near Petco Park, with cocktails at 5:30 and dinner at 7. Anyone wishing to attend can make reservations by calling (619) 544-1792.